Highway 243 repairs from fire

Caltrans awarded a $1.2 million Emergency Director’s Order to Griffith Construction Company last week as a result of the recent Silver Fire, which damaged portions of Highway 243 between Interstate 10 near Banning and the Twin Pines community north of Idyllwild.

Griffith and the specialized subcontractors worked to repair the damaged guardrail so that the route could be fully opened safely to the motoring public last weekend during the jazz festival.

Beginning last Monday, traffic control was put in place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a pilot car to allow the contractor to complete the work in that area. One lane is available at a time under these conditions so expect some delays. Schedule commutes to avoid the work hours or use alternate routes.

The repairs will take place during daytime hours over the next estimated six to eight weeks.

Griffith also was awarded a $300,000 contract to repair the damage that occurred on Highway 243 during the Mountain Fire last month.

Motorists are advised to anticipate one-way traffic control and minimal delays in Mountain Center.